How to Start Metal Detecting in Canada: A Beginner’s Guide to Treasure Hunting
Curious about treasure hunting? Whether you're inspired by Red River Gold or just love exploring outdoors, metal detecting is a hands-on way to connect with land, history and mystery. Here's how to begin in Canada —ethically, legally, and with the right gear.
What Is Metal Detecting?
Metal detecting uses handheld devices to find buried metal objects. From coins and jewelry to forgotten tools and more, it’s part hobby, part time travel. Common finds include:
Lost coins
Old and modern jewelry
Metal toy cars
Tools and medals
Old bullets
Trade tokens
...and yes, sometimes junk!
What You Need to Get Started
You don’t need a big budget to begin. Here’s what helps:
Gloves: You will need to protect your hands from rusty nails and broken glass.
Metal detector: Beginner models like the Garrett ACE 300 or Minelab Vanquish 340 are great starts.
Pinpointer: Helps you narrow down the exact spot of the target.
Digging tool: Use a hand trowel, digging knife or shovel.
Headphones: Crucial in noisy areas.
Finds pouch: Collect treasures—and trash—responsibly.
Where to Go Metal Detecting in Canada
Some locations are fair game; others are off-limits. Here's a quick guide:
✅ Often Allowed (with permission or clear rules):
Beaches (check local by-laws)
Public parks (they should indicate, but also check local by-laws)
Private land (get a written permission letter and make sure to have it with you while detecting)
❌ Usually Prohibited or Restricted:
National parks
Indigenous lands or sacred sites (only allowed in conjunction with an archeologist with a permit)
Historic or archaeological sites (protected by law)
📌 See our full breakdown: Treasure Laws Canada
Do You Need a Permit?
In most provinces, casual detecting doesn’t require a permit. But if you uncover historically significant items, these may legally belong to the Crown. Some provinces, like Ontario and Quebec, have strict heritage rules.
Always research your province’s laws—and, if in doubt, contact local metal detecting groups and clubs to get the latest insight into the legal landscape.
Best Practices for Ethical Detecting
Dig carefully and refill your holes.
Leave natural and cultural areas undisturbed.
Never trespass. Always ask for permission.
Respect Indigenous lands—get consent and engage with care.
Log your finds. Reporting significant discoveries helps preserve shared history.
Learn from the Community
Want help identifying your finds or finding new places to go? Join forums and clubs:
Facebook groups like Metal Detecting in Canada
Local detector clubs in your province which often have active Facebook groups like these:
These spaces are great for advice, meetups, and motivation.
REMEMBER: Metal detecting can be meditative, educational, and thrilling. Done respectfully, it brings you closer to the layers of Canada’s past—and to the question: what’s buried just beneath your feet?
